Assessing the Influence of Formal Training Practices on innovation performance of Pharmaceutical Firms in Kenya

Abstract

The study was conducted by exploring the influences of formal training practices as a component of innovation firm performance. It considered the influences of formal training practices as one of the factors of the innovation performance of pharmaceutical firms in Kenya. The choice of the pharmaceutical industry was thought to be suitable for study due to its knowledge-intensity nature. This research study applied an ex post facto research design aimed at achieving the objectives of the study. The population of interest in this case included a sample of pharmaceutical firms in the city of Nairobi involved in manufacturing in particular, and an input from those in marketing and distribution of prescription medicines. The population of interest for study constituted selected pharmaceutical firms in Nairobi. A sample of 163 respondents was thought to suffice for this study. A data collection form or questionnaires were used to collect data from respondents for analysis. Interview schedules and analysis of secondary data were also used. Quantitative data was analyzed by both descriptive and inferential statistical methods. For purposes of inference, regression model was performed on the variables (Formal training practices vs. innovation performance in Pharmaceutical firms.) All P-values were accompanied by a 95% confidence interval around the calculated odds ratio. Qualitative data was also analyzed. Data was presented in the form of tables, charts, figures and adopted an econometric approach to test the degree of correlation between the variables by employing the multiple regression analysis. Data was coded to facilitate analysis. It was analyzed with the aid SPSS software version 20. Data was categorized and arranged to determine how independent and dependent variables relate. The study findings indicated that that there was a significant relationship between formal training and innovation performance of pharmaceutical firms (p=0.003). The study concluded that the variable formal training was found to be significant in innovation performance of pharmaceutical firms in Kenya. One of the recommendations is that further studies could be carried out on a formal training to enhance knowledge-driven culture within which innovations can be incubated and shared to enhance innovation and creative